Ohel Children's Home and Family Services

08/20/2025

One session can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

Following a CCSA workshop:
• 83% of teens reported learning new and important facts about substance use.
• 75% said they are now less likely to use substances in the future.

Prevention works—and the data proves it. But we cannot expand our reach without you.

Your donation today will allow CCSA to bring life-saving education to more schools, more students, and more communities—before experimentation turns into addiction.

Make your gift now via the 🔗

08/14/2025

“If My Backpack Could Talk” 🎒
Join leading experts in trauma, psychology, and education as they share practical tools to create compassionate, responsive classrooms.

Teacher Support Helpline Panel
• Dr. Norman Blumenthal – Director of Trauma & Crisis Intervention, Ohel
• Dr. Hilary Buff – Middle School Psychologist, SAR Academy
• Dr. Elana Dumont – Director of Psychological Services, YCQ
• Hadassah Kaplan, MS Ed. – Lower School Faculty, YCQ

Moderated by Dr. Carly Namdar – Ohel School-Based Services & Resilience Programs Director

🗓 Tuesday, August 26
⏰ 8:00–9:15 PM

Register here: http://bit.ly/ohel0826

Let’s ensure every student is met with understanding and support — exactly where they are. 💛

08/12/2025

Our Challah Bake with was more than baking—it was about connection.

Ohel’s DayHab participants and Shabbat Angels volunteers came together to knead and braid dough, create art, sing in preparation for Shabbat, and even celebrate a birthday!

Thank you to Shabbat Angels for bringing such warmth and joy to our community.

📅Our next Ohel x Shabbat Angels gathering is on August 25 for Rosh Chodesh Elul.

If you’d like to volunteer, DM . And DM us for other Ohel volunteer opportunities!💛

📸Creds:

08/11/2025

It was wonderful to welcome Hon. NYS Senator Sam Sutton and Hon. NYS Supreme Court Judge Saul Stein—pictured here with our CEO, David Mandel, and Director of Community Services, Lisa Sheinhouse—to our Ohel Jaffa Campus today!

08/06/2025

Every Friday outside our Central Avenue location, individuals who attend our DayHab program design and sell beautiful floral arrangements. Whether you’re preparing for Shabbat or just want to brighten someone’s day, these handcrafted bouquets are made with heart and purpose.

And this weekend, we’re going even bigger! 🌟
We’ll be outside the building for Cedarhurst’s Sidewalk Sale — from today through Sunday — selling our signature flowers along with Personalized by Ohel merch!💐🛍️

08/01/2025

Parenting is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. And for those raising neurodivergent children, the course is full of unexpected turns, detours, and uncharted paths.

In her latest Psychology Today blog, Lisa Sheinhouse, Ohel's Director of Community Services, shares a personal reflection on grace, perseverance, and adjusting expectations. Drawing parallels between running races and parenting, she reminds us: Your race is your own. Just get out there and keep running.

Read her candid, heartfelt piece that speaks to every parent who’s ever had to shift gears and redefine success: psychologytoday.com/us/blog/retrain-your-brain/202507/parenting-a-neurodivergent-child-focus-on-the-journey-not-the-race

Personal Perspective: There’s no manual for parenting a neurodivergent child. But a road race-inspired perspective could offer guidance to help you stay focused on the journey.

07/30/2025

More and more people are turning to AI for emotional support—and it’s everywhere. ChatGPT over therapists. Bots in your Instagram DMs pretending to care.

We asked Dr. Carly Namdar, Ohel’s Director of Resilience Programs and School-Based Services, what she’d say to someone who’s struggling and leaning on AI for support.

Here’s what she had to say.

07/28/2025

Ohel was proud to attend the opening of the new Psychiatric Emergency Room at Maimonides Health Medical Center last week. CEO David Mandel and Director of Adult Mental Health Housing Yitz Elman joined fellow leaders in celebrating a milestone for mental health care in our community.

This dedicated psych ER creates a calmer space—separate from the typical bustle of the emergency room—where individuals in psychiatric crisis can receive evaluations and care. For the individuals we service, this kind of environment will significantly ease the process and can reduce resistance to seeking urgent help.

We’re deeply grateful for our partnership with the Maimonides Medical Center and excited to continue working together to provide compassionate, accessible, and timely mental health support to those who need it most.

📸 Pictured below: Yitz Elman, Director of Adult Mental Health Housing at Ohel, with Dr. Jessica Poster, Vice Chair of Acute Care Services; Dr. Abraham Taub, Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Room; and Avi Mendlowitz, Community Liaison of Hamaspik.

07/25/2025

Tomorrow on National Disability Independence Day, we honor the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law 34 years ago to ensure equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.

We asked Scott, a proud member of Ohel’s Supported Employment Program, to share what independence means to him—and his words are a powerful reminder that everyone has strengths to contribute.

Ohel is so proud of Scott and all the individuals we support who are building meaningful lives, one step at a time.